When the fate of a real horse headed toward a slaughterhouse made headlines, fans of Umamusume: Pretty Derby stepped up in force and helped save its life.
Risk was a retired racehorse in Brazil who had fallen ill and could no longer race. Its condition meant former owners sold the horse to a slaughterhouse, where it was set to be put down. A fan and equestrian athlete known as Jumping With Ana shared the situation on Twitter, hoping to raise money before the scheduled euthanasia. The post quickly spread, attracting attention from followers around the world.
POR FAVOR ME AJUDEM A SALVAR O RISK! PRECISAMOS DE 2.800 ATE SEXTA FEIRA SE NAO IRAM BUSCALO! POR FAVOR AJUDEM! ELE SERA ENVIADO AO ABATEDOURO PARA QUITAR A DIVA! AJUDEM POR FAVOR 09618088103 SO TEMOS DOIS DIAS pic.twitter.com/6xsvZ33WY5
— caju com queijo (@anapizzaiola) December 9, 2025
The ask was simple: about 2,800 Brazilian real, around 520 US-Dollars, to secure Risk’s release from the slaughterhouse and transfer it to a safer home. Overnight, the message reached fans of the horse-girl game and real animal lovers, all connecting over a real life cause tied back to the world that inspired Umamusume.
Fans Unite To Save Risk
What happened next was an amazing community action. Donations poured in through social platforms, and before long the full amount had been raised. By December 11 the effort succeeded and Risk was rescued from the slaughterhouse. Supporters celebrated online and expressed relief that the horse would have a chance to recover in a better environment.
For many followers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, the moment went beyond the game itself. This community ties its love for the horse-girls in the anime and game to real world animals that inspired those characters. Seeing a rescue happen in real life created a wave of pride among fans who felt they had done something meaningful together.
Pessoal... Ainda nao acredito... CHEGAMOS NO VALOR TODO O VALOR EXTRA SERA DESTINADO AO TRATAMENTO DO NOSSO QUERIDO RISK VOCES AJUDARAM ELE, SOU ETERNAMENTE GRATA CASO QUEIRA CONTRIBUIR COM O TRATAMENTO A VAKINHA CONTINUARA ABERTO! SEM PRESSAO! JA CONSEGUIMOS https://t.co/28PyU73JfP
— caju com queijo (@anapizzaiola) December 11, 2025
The Community Goes Beyond The Game
This is not the first time the community has rallied for real horses. Fans have previously supported initiatives for other retired racehorses by donating hay and helping fund better care. That blend of virtual affection and real world action makes this fanbase unique in gaming culture.
What do you make of how the Umamusume community came together for Risk? Let us know in the comments.